The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Zone Bench at Bhopal, has disposed of Original Application No. 220/2024 (CZ) filed by Babulal Jajoo, which raised concerns over the discharge of untreated domestic sewage into Gandhi Sagar Talab at Bhilwara in Rajasthan. While closing the matter, the Tribunal directed the concerned authorities to ensure that the ongoing sewage diversion project is completed within the stipulated timeline.
The case was heard by a Bench comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh, Judicial Member, and Dr. Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, Expert Member. The applicant had approached the Tribunal alleging that untreated sewage was continuously flowing into Gandhi Sagar Lake, causing pollution and environmental damage. Earlier, by an order dated 27 October 2025, the Tribunal had directed the Municipal Corporation, Bhilwara, to place on record the steps taken to address the issue.
In response, the Municipal Corporation, Bhilwara, filed an affidavit dated 24 October 2025. It stated that a detailed assessment of the sewage discharge system had been conducted and a comprehensive project had been planned for constructing a wastewater nalla at Gandhi Sagar Talab. The project aims to intercept, divert and channelise untreated sewage so as to completely prevent its discharge into the lake. The Corporation informed the Tribunal that the work order had been awarded to Shri Mohammad Arif of Udaipur, the project commenced on 23 May 2025, and the scheduled date of completion was 22 May 2026, with commissioning proposed by 31 March 2026.
During the hearing, counsel for the applicant submitted that although there was no objection to the project, interim arrangements should be put in place to divert untreated sewage during the execution period to avoid further pollution. The Tribunal, however, declined to issue such directions. It observed that a scientifically designed and permanent solution was already under implementation and that the proposed commissioning timeline of 31 March 2026 was reasonable.
The Bench held that issuing directions for temporary diversion measures was not warranted in the facts of the case. It emphasised that the authorities must ensure timely completion of the project and properly manage untreated sewage during the execution period. Since the issue was already being addressed through a structured and ongoing project, the Tribunal found no reason to issue further directions.
Accordingly, the Original Application was disposed of with a direction to the authorities to complete the sewage diversion project within the stipulated timeframe and to ensure appropriate handling of untreated sewage in the interim.
